35
“Clear to engage," Wilkos transmitted. "Scorpions, drop shields and get hits!"
Austin gripped the stick, rolling left to engage a bandit at the far end of the formation. Glancing at his sensor, he counted fourteen enemy fighters attacking the gigantic Shoborian vessel. The Formidable had been patrolling the system as ordered, finishing up near a lifeless world on the opposite side of the local star, when the new signal popped up in orbit of D-434. Already on patrol, the Scorpions were able to immediately curve to this location.
"I'm right with you," Bear said, tucking his Trident into close support formation on Austin's wing. "Stay frosty—remember what their weaponry can do!”
Austin focused on aligning his crosshairs with the incoming bandit, just a pinpoint of light at this distanc
